This turbine will measure 533 feet high with a rotor diameter of 475 feet. (Expected to have a generating capacity of 10 MW, or enough to power 2,000 homes, clearly, it’s big for a reason.) The project is being funded by Enova, which will provide the Bergen-based Sway AS with the cash to demonstrate their prototype’s potential to significantly reduce the cost of generating offshore wind power–an industry Norway wisely seems intent on cornering.

image via SWAY

The test-turbine is planned to be installed in 2011 with accompanying infrastructure in Naturgassparken, Øygarden, south of Ljøsøyna, within an area regulated for industrial purposes. The goal is to test the technology involved–which makes use of systems developed for offshore oil drilling–then begin the process of developing more super-turbines down the coast.

Susan DeFreitas has covered all manner of green technology for EarthTechling since 2009. She is a graduate of Prescott College for the Liberal Arts and the Environment, and has a background in marketing green businesses. Her work on green living has been featured in Yes! Magazine, the Utne Reader and Natural Home.